Clip ons for 1977 r80

[luvyormuthrerth]

I have a set of Daytona Clip ons that installs on top of the forks. Does anyone know if I can lower the triple tree to allow clearance for the clip ons to attach?

[mymindsok]

No but you gan have a machinist make you some dropped tripples if you have the cash.

Thats the solution that B+S came up with back in the day.

[vanzen]

I have a set of Daytona Clip ons that installs on top of the forks. Does anyone know if I can lower the triple tree to allow clearance for the clip ons to attach?

Not sure what "Daytona Clips" are specifically
or if they are somehow different than typical 'clip-ons'.
Usual installation of 'clip-ons' on a Type-247 puts them below the triple-tree plate
rather than above it.

The "dropped triple" was developed
to allow the use of an 18" front wheel
and in order to compensate for the resulting change in chassis geometry
which had a tendency towards a fierce deceleration wobble.
the "dropped triple" was later marketed by Luftmeister.

To my knowledge (could be wrong)
those Lufty trees did not allow the fork stanchions to pass through the tree.
To use a Lufty "dropped triple tree" with a 19" wheel, then,
would also change / affect chassis geometry and expected handling characteristics
by increasing effective rake and trail numbers.
The bike would become more stable at straight-line speed, more cumbersome in the curves – like a chopper.
not something I would want to happen to my bike ...

Of course it is conceivable to design and build a tree that would work –
but certainly cheaper to buy a pair of Tarozzi clips if the Daytonas can't be mounted in typical fashion.

[luvyormuthrerth]

would you know what size clip on I would need?

[vanzen]

would you know what size clip on I would need?


Clips are sold in sizes to fit the stanchion tubes.
Several diameter forks stanchion tubes were used throughout the years of Type-247 production.

36 mm is likely the most common diameter,
but I would need to know the year of the bike you're considering to answer the question.

edit:
clicked on this site today, and noticed the bike's year is in your post-header, luvyormuthrerth ...
and a 77 would be 36 mm.

[orbitangel]

The "dropped triple" was developed
to allow the use of an 18" front wheel
and in order to compensate for the resulting change in chassis geometry...

the "dropped triple" was later marketed by Luftmeister.

To my knowledge (could be wrong)
those Lufty trees did not allow the fork stanchions to pass through the tree.

To use a Lufty "dropped triple tree" with a 19" wheel, then,
would also change / affect chassis geometry and expected handling characteristics
by increasing effective rake and trail numbers.
The bike would become more stable at straight-line speed, more cumbersome in the curves – like a chopper.
not something I would want to happen to my bike ...



VZ,

Is THIS the Luftmeister triple clamp you are writing about?

http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq188/orbitangel/TripleClamp.jpg

http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq188/orbitangel/TripleClamp_1.jpg

When I bought my second RS, in the Fall of 1980, it ALREADY had one of these but I didn't know it. I only discovered it later.

The bike handled just fine; yes, nice and stable but still easy to roll into and out of turns. One thing I did notice was markedly less nosedive during aggressive braking.
I originally attributed that to altered fork springs.

Since the clamp had NO markings on it whatsoever, and I was ignorant of many aftermarket pieces at the time, I had NO idea where it came from.

Fast forward about 25 years and I got my current RS. I began looking on fleabay for a triple clamp like the one I had so long ago.
It didn't take long before I had another one (I never cared for the flimsy stock sheetmetal clamp.)

The bike handles just fine with this (not at all like riding a chopper I suspect - never rode one, never WILL ride one) with the stock front wheel.

In my view, aside from the changes in steering geometry, the main benefit from having this part is that the tops of the fork tubes are now firmly clamped, rather than being free to rotate beneath the top caps as in the stock setup.

http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq188/orbitangel/DSCF0762.jpg

I ride with this all the time and I have the same problem on an RS I have always had: it is very easy to apply TOO MUCH force when countersteering into a turn; stated another way, easy to overcontrol when entering turns.

More cumbersome in curves? That is not my experience.

BTW, I always value your input and you are exceptionally knowledgeable IMHO.

Thanks!

[mymindsok]

So orbit,

Youre running on an 18" front wheel?

[orbitangel]

So orbit,

Youre running on an 18" front wheel?

No. I am running a STOCK (19in.) front wheel.

Bottom line: I have NO issues with my front-end geometry or handling with this setup.

On the contrary, clamping the tops of those fork tubes tightens-up the front-end noticeably.

[vanzen]

OK you guys.
you got me out of my chair to look up some info ...

The "Raised Triple Clamp" was marketed by San Jose (not Lufty as previous, sorry).
Their advert. copy reads:
"Our raised triple clamp will maximize ground clearance and increase high speed stability.
The raised clamp also allows the conversion to a 19" front wheel on the R80GS."

From an article by Dexter Ford, entitled "Boxer Rebellion", MOTORCYCLIST, March 1986.
regarding a bike owned by Alan Goodman, and billed as "A Turned On Twin For the K-bike for Lunch Bunch":
" ... we decided to try the bike with the steepened steering geometry caused by the shorter front wheel. (note: an 18"er)
To get rid of the slight wobble, Chris (Hodgson) suggested we bolt on a set of dropped triple clamps,
which raise the steering head and restore the original rake angle ... "

As to using the raised / dropped clamp with a 19" wheel:
To each his own ... be comfortable ... enjoy –
the difference is not in any way dangerous.
You may believe that clamping the tops of the stanchions provides a real benefit,
we will differ on that one, too.
And to my mind, the stock Type-247 trail #s provide handling that is a tad sluggish as is ...
increasing rake, thereby increasing trail,
increases rider input necessary to affect a curve –
not something I'm going to do by choice.

[luvyormuthrerth]

Thanks guys, thats a sweet looking tripple clamp, any idea where I can get one or where I can get the dimensions to make one?